Congratulations Ford Model T

September 27, 2024
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Ford Model T: "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black."

Today marks 116 years since the very first Ford Model T rolled off the production line in America. To start with that line, this car was the very first series product ever to roll off an assembly line anywhere. In 1918, half of the world's cars were Ford Model Ts. To this day, only one car model, the Volkswagen Beetle, has been produced in greater numbers. Both companies still exist and are still among the few really big brands in the automotive industry.

OK, but what does this have to do with Robust-MT Marine Technology?

Henry Ford speaks: "I'm going to build a car for the majority"

“I will build a motor car for the great multitude. It will be large enough for the family, but small enough for the individual to run and care for. It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men to be hired, after the simplest designs that modern engineering can devise. But it will be so low in price that no man making a good salary will be unable to own one – and enjoy with his family the blessing of hours of pleasure in God's great open spaces.”

Henry Ford

Robust-MT speaks: "I am going to build an electric boat for the majority"

It is precisely this ambition that underlies the development of our boats and our Robbie in particular. We are not happy with yet another superyacht. We are not happy with outward appearance, maintenance or the fear of damage. We are happy when we can enjoy peace and quiet on the water without any worries. We become even happier when we see others enjoying the water thanks to our products. Particularly when it concerns people who normally might not be able to afford it.

We wanted to make an electric boat, just like the Ford Model T, for everyone. A boat big enough for a family of 5, but small enough to be easy to manage. It had to be a boat made of durable, strong and maintenance-free materials. We also wanted that boat to be built to the highest possible standards. Design is subordinate to function and the price had to be affordable for everyone with a normal salary.

In addition, we believe that the higher market segment is necessary to develop innovations, but that the lower market segment is essential for those innovations to also make a difference. Without Volkswagen, with the Beetle at the front, there was no Lamborghini, no Porsche, no Bugatti and no Bentley. None of the latter brands really contribute anything to sustainability. Volkswagen, on the other hand, does have the volume to make a difference.

Ford Model T: "as long as it is black."

“Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.”

Henry Ford

Why is our Robbie black?

The reality of the Ford Model T is that it could not be ordered in black when it was introduced. However, everything was focused on maximum efficiency, production control and price reduction. Over time it turned out that black paint was the cheapest and dried the fastest and from that moment on the Ford Model T was only supplied in black.

A similar consideration applies to our Robbie. Our HDPE consists of either new or recycled sheets of new material. Although this can be supplied in all conceivable colors, there must be a significant volume of purchased materials. Black is a standard sheet material, widely available, UV stable, colourfast and proven for long-term use in the toughest conditions. If we want to keep Robbie affordable for single purchases, black HDPE is the material of choice. However, just like the Ford Model T, the boat is available in all colors as long as the hull is black. We can vary endlessly with the cushions and lettering.

How is Robbie different from the Ford Model T?

For starters, Robbie made of HDPE and not metal. Our material is infinitely recyclable and, in theory, has an infinite shelf life. encounter another Robbie

Robbie is electrically powered just like all our boats. Not because we believe this is necessary in the context of global electrification and global climate goals, but for two simpler reasons:

Electric sailing is fantastic. With only the sound of nature around us, we enjoy the experience on the water much more. We are aware of our own presence and therefore take others and nature as a whole into account.
Outboard motors discharge their exhaust fumes into the water. In addition, refueling, connecting, maintenance and use lead to contamination by lubricants and fuels. We love nature, we care about water quality and so we want to eliminate this unnecessary local water pollution 100%.

15 million of the Ford Model T were built and at one time half of all cars in the world were a Ford Model T. Robbie is a bit more modest, but the ambition is the same.

If in 116 years it will be said that Robust-MT Marine Technology BV has done with water sports and especially water quality what Ford did with mobility and production techniques, then we have done well.

Henry Ford, thanks for the inspiration!

About us

Robust-MT Marine Technology BV is located in Monster on the edge of the water-rich Westland . Located in South Holland between Rotterdam and The Hague, but also near Delft and the North Sea. Our showroom and workshop are also located on a main waterway. We also have a berth on the Haringvliet, near Zeeland, where we can also arrange trial runs. We also work with a renowned yacht builder and shipyard in Woubrugge near Amsterdam and North Holland. This location also has its own port, a large crane as well as a heated and unheated warehouse. In summary, no matter how big or small your project is, we can provide you with the products and support you need.

About our products

Do you want to buy a new electric motor for your boat or, for example, convert an existing boat to electric propulsion? Everything you need to make your project a success is available in our webshop We offer the widest range in the Netherlands in the field of electric motors and drive systems for pleasure boating and at the best prices. We also distinguish ourselves through our own experiences with electrification of existing boats and therefore guarantee that your expensive purchase also leads to a positive experience. products on sale in our webshop , we post our own test reports in our blog page and we also offer complete sets of motor, battery and all additional required equipment. Our homepage also contains a number of reviews and ratings from satisfied customers, we would like to add your review here.